This option is intended for well-qualified students in the Winthrop BS in Biology program who will complete up to 9 hours of the work for the MS in Biology degree program while enrolled in the undergraduate degree program. This option requires completion of 33 credit hours of approved graduate-level courses. At least half the work presented for the degree must be 600-level courses. This program does not include the option of a thesis. Applicants wishing to carry out thesis research should select the two-year MS with thesis program option.
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MS in Biology Accelerated program must hold a baccalaureate degree in Biology (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college and must have completed that degree within one year of beginning the program. Additional requirements include:
1. Submit Intent to Pursue form no later than fall of senior year; consult the Graduate Program Director for the specific date when applications are due.
2. 3.0 GPA in the major with a minimum grade of B or better in all undergraduate courses undertaken for graduate credit. Graduate credit for theses courses can only be received if the applicant completed all the additional requirements for graduate students taking 500-level courses.
3. 3.0 overall GPA
4. GRE verbal, quantitative and writing scores at or above the 50th percentile.
5. Submit an essay describing personal and professional goals. Applicants with any questions in regards to these statements, please contact the graduate director: Dr. Kristi Westover at 803/323-2111 ext. 6180 and/or send an e-mail to Dr. Kristi Westover.
6. Two letters of recommendation. In the online admissions application, you will be asked to provide the names and e-mail addresses of two individuals from whom you have requested letters of recommendation. These two people will then receive an e-mail instructing them to upload the letter into our online application system. It's a good idea to talk with these individuals ahead of time so they will be expecting the e-mail when they receive it.
Students accepted into the MS in Biology Accelerated Program may submit up to 9 hours of 500-level courses (or equivalent advanced undergraduate courses) taken as undergraduates for credit toward the MS in Biology degree, provided that 1) these courses were taken for graduate credit with the extra requirements for graduate students and 2) that the grades for these courses were a B or better.
Required Program:
BIOL 601 Theory and Method in Biology (3)
One course from the following: BIOL 610, BIOL 611, BIOL 612 (3)
Two courses from amongst the following: BIOL 610, BIOL 611, BIOL 612, BIOL 629, BIOL
630, BIOL 631, BIOL 632, BIOL 633 (excluding the course taken to satisfy the above
requirement) (6)
500-600 level BIOL electives (15)
500-600 level approved electives (6)
total semester hours: 33
